A Wager for Love by Caroline Courtney

Author:Caroline Courtney
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Romance, Fiction, General
ISBN: 9780552115155
Publisher: G. K. Hall
Published: 1979-01-02T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Kitty was sipping her morning chocolate when Lavinia burst into her room like a whirlwind, announcing that she must hurry as they were leaving for the shops within the hour.

Surprised, Kitty put down her cup. “But, Lavinia, it was only yesterday that you told me you did not need anything. “

“That was yesterday,” was the only response from Lavinia.

Thus Kitty bid her maid to help her dress, and before two hours had passed, the ladies were stepping from the house and entering the carriage.

“Why such a rush?” enquired Kitty, once she had settled herself to her satisfaction.

Lavinia smiled a little, but said nothing. She had no intention of confiding in Kitty, a pretty child, but so impetuous. There was no guarantee that she would not blurt out anything Lavinia might tell her, and probably right in front of Saltaire. “Oh it’s nothing, Kitty, but Saltaire announced last night that he wishes me to give a ball before the month is out, and I intend that it shall be the very best of the season. Naturally we shall need new gowns, and besides,” her smile became a little broader, “I was looking in my closet last night and I declare I have nothing fit to be seen in.”

Kitty, who had noticed with surprise the toss of the head and sparkling eyes that had accompanied Lavinia’s words about the ball, could certainly see nothing to quibble about in her desire to refurbish her wardrobe. However, her mind on the proposed ball, she enquired frowning. “And you are to arrange this ball? Oh Lavinia, can you …”

“Can I what?” interrupted Lavinia a little dryly. “Do you think I am not capable?” .

“Oh no, indeed,” averred Kitty hurriedly. “It is just that it will be such an undertaking. I ain sure I wouldn’t even know where to begin,” she admitted frankly.

Lavinia shrugged, unwilling to betray her own doubts of her abilities. “Well, I shall be able to call on Lady Elizabeth for help, and then of course, there is Saltaire’s housekeeper. There must surely have been balls at the house before.”

“Well, yes,” admitted Kitty, still a little doubtful. “But …”

Before she could say any more, the carriage was stopping outside the select Modiste patronised by Lady Elizabeth. Lavinia entered the shop in the manner of one about to join battle, and Kitty, who only the previous day had decided that Lavinia must have very little interest in clothes, now found herself gulping with admiration, tinged with dismay, as Lavinia recklessly ordered gown after gown. The Modiste, recognising a good customer when she saw one, bustled forward herself, waving her assistants aside.

“Perhaps if I may be allowed to help, Madam?”

Lavinia, absently fingering a roll of lemon and russet striped tabby, turned. “Yes.” The gowns she had already chosen, walking dresses, afternoon dresses, a riding habit in an emerald velvet which set off` her colouring to advantage, were all very beautiful, but for the ball she wanted something special. She eyed the Modiste shrewdly. “I need a ball gown within the month.

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